Kansas football signees at a glance

Highest-rated player in Kansas University's class, according to rivals.com. : A preseason junior-college All-American at defensive end who recorded 62 tackles and 10 sacks. : Picked Kansas over Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Iowa State and Cincinnati.

Ranked as the 21st-best tight end prospect in the nation by rivals.com. : Has impressive speed (4.7 in 40-yard dash) for 6-7, 250-pound frame. : Picked Kansas over Oklahoma State, Syracuse, Wisconsin and Utah.

Caleb Blakesley

(DL, 6-5, 277, Ottawa)

Standout linemen on offense and defense at Ottawa High. : Will concentrate on defensive line at Kansas. : Missed most of his senior year because of a knee injury, but fully recovered by spring. : Won Kansas Class 5A state title in the shot put twice. : Picked Kansas over an early offer from Wyoming and interest from Colorado State, Northwestern and Kansas State.

Russell Brorsen

(DE, 6-4, 235, Stillwater, Okla.)

First-team all-state selection collected 287 tackles and 34 sacks during high school career. : Earned state heavyweight title in wrestling his senior year, finishing with a 32-2 record. : Also received interest from Oklahoma State, Navy and Tulsa.

Alex Hanson

(K, 6-0, 180, Ankeny, Iowa)

Booted 47 of 48 extra points, caused 39 touchbacks and made field goals as long as 47 yards during senior season. : Played in the Iowa Shrine Bowl in July. : Also a successful high school wrestler. : Signed as a non-scholarship player.

James Holt

(S, 6-3, 200, Altus, Okla.)

All-stater who played wide receiver, quarterback, safety, cornerback and returned kickoffs in high school, but was recruited as a safety. : Chose Kansas over Oklahoma State and Tulsa.

Kerry Meier

(QB, 6-3, 208, Pittsburg)

Consensus all-stater who passed for 930 yards and rushing for 634 more. : Ranked as the 14th-best dual-threat quarterback in the nation by rivals.com, as well as the top college prospect in Kansas. : Received offers from Colorado State, Kansas State, Texas A&M;, Wyoming, Army, TCU and Tulsa. : Younger brother of former Kansas State and current New Orleans Saints tight end Shad Meier, as well as current K-State quarterback Dylan Meier and former Pittsburg State defensive back Adam Meier.

Speedy running back from Texas chose Kansas just before signing day. : A big-play featured back and return specialist at Cleburne High. : Lettered in football, basketball and track. : Chose Kansas over Texas Christian.

Jose Rodriguez

(OL, 6-6, 255, La Puente, Calif.)

KU's first commitment when he gave word to coaches in June of 2004. : Brother of KU offensive lineman Cesar Rodriguez brings similar height (6-6) but has room to gain pounds. : First-team All-San Gabriel Valley, and rated one of 50 best OT's in the country by rivals.com. : Received interest from Oregon State, Arizona, Colorado State and Wyoming.

Jake Schermer

(LB-S, 6-2, 200, Nixa, Mo.)

Speedy prospect with size who could play linebacker or safety. : Three-time all-conference selection and an all-state performer as a senior. : All-time leading tackler in Ozark High history.

Darrell Stuckey

(DB, 6-1, 185, Kansas City, Kan.)

Early commitment who impressed KU coaches at multiple camps last summer. : Played running back and safety for Washington High in 2004, helping Wildcats to the city league title. : Rushed for 1,234 yards as the featured back for Washington, and grabbed eight interceptions on defense, returning two for touchdowns.

Justin Thornton

(DB, 6-1, 185, St. Joseph, Mo.)

One of top prospects in Missouri after being named all-city, all-conference, all-district and all-state as a wide receiver and defensive back. : Had four interceptions and 15 touchdown receptions as senior at Central High. : Also a standout hurdler. : Chose Kansas over Missouri, Nebraska and Northwestern.

Adam Welty

(OL, 6-6, 280, Newton)

Committed early after turning heads at a KU camp last summer. : Chosen to Class 5A All-State team after senior year at Newton High. : Invited to the Shrine Bowl. : Also lettered in track and field, and is accomplished powerlifter.

Jeff Wheeler

(DE, 6-7, 240, Houston)

Second-team all-state as a senior. : Lettered in football, track and field and lacrosse at Clear Lake High. : Picked Kansas over Colorado, Rice, Tulane and Duke.

Arist Wright

(LB, 6-0, 205, Houston)

Fast three-sport standout at Alief Taylor High. : Played linebacker and quarterback in football, and also was baseball standout and track athlete. : Committed to Kansas just before signing day, turning down offers from Tulane and Louisiana Tech.

December, 2004, Signees

Marcus Anderson

(OL, 6-3, 285, San Francisco CC)

Starting left tackle for 11-1 junior-college team. : Played with current KU quarterback Jason Swanson on Rams' 2003 national-championship team. : Chose Kansas over Oregon State, San Diego State and New Mexico State.

Tang Bacheyie

(RB-DB, 6-1, 195, Windsor, Ontario)

Canadian standout originally signed with KU in 2003, but arrival was delayed until January because of injuries. : Signed as a defensive back but saw time at running back during spring drills. : Rushed three times for six yards in spring game. : Named All-Canadian and all-conference after senior season at Sandwich High.

Paul Como

(DL-LB, 6-2, 250, Saddleback CC)

Wrapped up spring ball on two-deep at defensive end, behind Charlton Keith. : Played outside linebacker for juco in Mission Viejo, Calif. Recorded seven sacks and 19 tackles for a loss during sophomore season. : Chose Kansas over Colorado State, Houston and San Diego State.

Jake Cox

(OL, 6-5, 295, Iowa Central CC)

Listed on two-deep at left guard following spring ball, behind Bob Whitaker. : Junior-college All-American at Iowa Central, blocking for two 1,000-yard rushers as sophomore. : Picked KU over Michigan State, Memphis, Ball State and Buffalo.

Brian Murph

(WR, 6-1, 185, Butler County CC)

Starred in spring game, catching seven passes for 110 yards and a touchdown. : Listed along with Mark Simmons as a starting receiver on depth chart. : Stood out at both wide receiver and punt returner for Butler County, helping Grizzlies to two NJCAA title-game appearances. : Chose Kansas over Cincinnati, Toledo, Memphis and Troy.

Eric Washington

(LB, 6-2, 220, Minnesota West CC)

Junior-college All-American who is expected to contribute immediately. : Recorded five tackles in spring game, third-most on blue squad. : Expected to back up Banks Floodman and Nick Reid at outside linebacker. : Had 42 tackles for losses as soph at Minnesota West.

Wayne Wilder

(DT, 6-3, 295, Garden City CC)

Juco transfer who brings a thick frame made for clogging holes on defensive line. : Played one year at Garden City after spending two years at Georgia Military College (one as a redshirt). : Collected 25 tackles, eight behind the line of scrimmage as sophomore.